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Sixth iteration of Apple iPhone, announced on September 12, 2012. Repair of this device is similar to the previous models, requiring screwdrivers and prying tools. Available as GSM or CDMA / 16, 32, or 64 GB / Black or White.

To be able to defuse the lcd from the glass you will need an lcd separator machine that has a hot plate you put the screen on. Lcd separator machine reviews and tutorials can be found at www.lcdseparatormachines.com.

No one is going to buy a machine to seperate the glass from the lcd . Pfff . You can use a razer blade and some alcohol for about a dollar and replacement glass is 1.50 on ebay . A small amount of uv Glue is availible for 5 dollars . so for less than 10 dollars you can fix the glass OR buy the entire front iphone5 assymbly for 27 dollars in white or black with free shipping............

China. But these don't look like diy tools, just the cheapest professional kits, without any industrial machines, tools and training cost more than $800. Only worthwhile if you are planning to open a business.

Very relevant and very instructing answer. Thank you very much Tom Chai. Indeed the video shows complications of separating glass from LCD assembly. you can have LCD+digitizer glass assembly for iphone 4 or 4s for $27 at ebay. iphone 5 LCD and digitizer costs $75 and $134 at iFixit. Bottom line, not worth it. Just buy the complete assembly, and a good one for a cost of around $40. The cheap ones tend to have issues with the flex cable of the digitizer glass. They are awkward and they get stuck at the hole in the iPhone 4 frame. And they seem to easily lose their connection to the glass. So, you lose touchscreen feature of iPhone 4 while the video is fine. I had this problem twice and stopped buying from eBay. Now I buy from a local guy who sells them for $10 more. But I am able to have them tested before I pay. the rest is up to me. and it is worthwhile that way.

As a non industry guy, but skilled with my hands, I was able to separate the glass from the digitizer successfully using basic tools. And somewhat followed the Chinese video above. I took the screen all down, and due to the severe shattering of my phone I had to remove the bits of glass piece by piece. I did this using a hot plate, temp gun to make sure I didn't overheat it, duck brand adheasive remover I got locally and a guitar string along with a very tiny flat head and the plastic scraper.

Because the screen was so shattered it took me the better part of two hours to get all the glass off. Soaked the whole thing in the adheasive remover and then warmed it up on the hot plate, trying to keep around 160 degrees. Different chunks required different tools, but the majority I got off with the scraper.

Then I repeatedly soaked the LCD in the remover stuff and gently wiped it down. I still scratched it pretty bad thanks to the tiny glass shards, but it looks good at night. Got the LCD totally clean, glued the new glass to the frame only because I didn't have the proper glue and reassembled the whole works.

The result is some tiny scratches and the center of the screen is a bit dark. Either because I did t glue it to the glass or because I might have over heated the screen accidentally. For ten bucks I'm happy with it. I can read things on it and the touch is better then ever! If you're tight on money, but loaded on time and skill I highly recommend it.

Not only the problem is to remove the (cracked) glass, which is achievable rather simple with the help of some sort of unglueing treatments (like the GooGone and etc.), but to rebond the new glass lens with the LCD-digitizer assembly (yes, the LCD and digitizer in iPhone 5 are glued together and this assembly is then glued with the display glass lens).

There is a special (industrial) optically clear adhesive used, which also eliminates the air bubbles after treatment. Unfortunately, this glue is unavailable across the USA and Europe. Likely it is only available in China and maybe some other countries, where the manufacturers plants reside.

UPDATE! The afore mentioned glue is called LOCA (Liquid Optically Clear Adhesive), it's made by Loctite and is currently widely available from ebay or aliexpress.

My experience has shown, that it is best to get the complete assembly. I can't tell you how many digitizer/lcd's I have destroyed trying to get them apart to save a couple of bucks.. Every now and then, I get one to work, but in the long run, the time, effort just isn't worth the results.. Like on the ipod/iphone gen 4's, just get the whole assembly and be done with it..

Yes, this is a hobby/diy site, but I think the guys with the experience shouldn't raise the hopes of those who are trying things on their own for the first time. I have/had been led down the merry road more than once by instructions that say, "separate the lcd and digitizer assemblies with heat" sure, sounds like a 10 second job, turns out to take an hour.. as someone else said, as a business, it ain't worth it.. And personally , for the amount of hassle, doing this sort of repair (glass only) just isn't worth the time and effort.. There comes a point of diminishing returns.. this is one example of that.

It's all one piece just like iPhone 4(S). If you tear glass and digitizer off the LCD you will ruin it all together. It will bleed to death.

Update

I was told you could on the 4(s) but you cannot. Even if you could remove the glass. who has that much time. If you work on these like I do. You can't tell a customer. Well it will be 3 days to fix because I have to take 2 days to remove the glass from digitizer and LCD screen. If you want to be successful you can't tell them that. You charge your rate over the parts!

Yes the glass can be separated from the LCD on the Apple repair - iPhone 5 screen replacement. I am going to prepare a video this week or next because it is much cheaper this method. It does take a lot longer to diffuse the glass from the LCD but it can be done. This is a DIY site so I'm assuming I will convince some of you to try it. I own XpressFix iPhone Repair so there will be a video posted in the blog within 2 weeks.

Update: we were successful at but the quality was sometimes lacking. Regardless, this was not a one time sucess story as mentioned above. We were able to successfully remove the digitizer from the LCD EVERY time but sometimes the lcd bore slight scratches i the process. To save 200 I believe it is still worth it...JUST sayin'

The wire is called molybdenum that is used cut between the glass and digitizer. It is VERY difficult use that wire because of the glass is already hot.

Also it is silicon that lies between glass and digitizer and I have the replacement silicon but it's almost impossible to put that back on the replacement glass clean. It has to done at zero dust industrial level, not recommenced for DIY at all.

I am not sure it will ruin it, I see a Digitizer for sell on eBay and the guy says he separated it from the front glass using a heat gun. How can you get someone at ifixit.com to post either a solution for the problem or to give i us a 100% sure answer saying it can't be done. I wish i could ask someone directly.

How about this then, I see they sell Just the front glass on eBay for like $12.00 can I buy a new Digitizer and put the two together myself?

If anyone can contact ifixit , telkl them to jump on this thread and post up some 411 facts about replacing the front glass only if it is possible to do., """""" What up with that""" Pimping ain't easy, and neither is replacing the front glass only on a iphone 5""

There are always those that say they separated the glass. This has been going on with all previous versions as well. I am sure there are one, may be two success stories, but ultimately, just because the parts are available separately does not mean that you can separate them. The best answer would be for you to go ahead and try it and let us know how you did. Personally, I replace the complete unit. Here is the 411 from ifixit "The front glass, digitizer, and LCD are all one component, thereby increasing cost of repair."

100 gradus celsium +/- 5 on chinese websites, but i have used a hairdryer and a sharp medical knife. Slowly and patient one by one i removed all the glass parts. Phone were always on and display working. I have tried to avoid huge black spots when lcd is flexing. 3 hours job. http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a...

What solvent can I use to remove LOCA residue from the LCD? If anyone has an answer can you give me an exact brand name of that product please?

Its really hard to remove it without scratching LCD

Update

Yes i was able to separate the glass from the digitizer and it works like new.

Peter i understand your position on that subject.You are a LCD dealer you dont want to hear about succesfull attempts of fixing something you make money on. Just watch the video from the link above.Its doable. Whats not to believe?

100C degree is too hot. You will most likely burn LCD ending up discolored LCD.

Hair dryer will work but you will have to heat for long time.

Removing the glass is not a problem, it is the optical adhesive removal is the challenge.

You can either use acetone or alcohol to remove it.

There is industrial acetone you can use to remove the residue but I recommend you not use it as it has serious chemical and could cause injury. You must wear glove and mask handling that stuff, very dangerous. I don't even know if that is allowed at local level.

I change glass for my customer over 20 time using only acetone and alcohol and most of them are very acceptable and they were all happy.

My girlfriend shattered her iphone screen and I looked into replacing it. It is an iphone 5, and I read all the reviews about how the lcd, digitizer and glass being one composite. I bought a iPhone 5 glass screen from amazon, and replaced it, and it works fine. You have to know what you are getting into, but I slowly removed the glass from the LCD screen, then cleaned it with Goo Gone to get the original adhesive off, and put the new glass cover on, and it works OK. It would probably be better with the UV glue or optical adhesive you can get on the internet, as you have to push the glass screen a bit to make sure it makes contact with the LCD, but it works none the less. As a $10, 2 hour solution to a $200 problem, I recommend it for the DIY challenged people.

it is possible to fix just the cracked screen, however it is not perfect, you always end up with scratches left after the glass was shattered, but it is better than cracked glass for sure. i fixed like 5 of them. you can also send your phone to us, check out my ebay page.

Resources

Stay in the loop

Speak out for your right to repair.

New York,

New Yorkers stand up for what they believe in. And we're asking you to
stand up for repair.

This year, New York could be the first state in the nation to pass the Fair Repair Act,
A8192 and
S618.
We have a chance to guarantee our right to repair electronic
equipment—like smartphones, computers, and even farm equipment. We have a
chance to protect local repair jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that
keep getting squeezed out by manufacturers.

It’s not going to be easy. Manufacturers are standing in the
way. When your stuff breaks, they want to be the only people allowed to fix it.
So far, they’ve managed to stop Fair Repair legislation before your
representatives get a chance to vote on it. We’ve got to be louder than their
lobbyists.

The Fair Repair Act, known as
A8192 and
S618,
requires manufacturers to provide owners
and independent repair businesses with fair access to service information,
security updates, and replacement parts. Tell your state representative to
support S618. Tell them you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for your right to repair.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair.

Massachusetts,

The people of Massachusetts have always stood up for their
right to repair. In 2012, voters passed a law that ensured
residents' right to repair their car wherever they wanted.
Now, it's time to do the same for electronics and other equipment.

With the Digital Right to Repair Act,
H.143
and S.96,
we have a chance to guarantee our right to repair electronics—like
smartphones, computers, and even farm equipment. The Digital Right to
Repair Act requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
information businesses with fair access to service information, security
updates, and replacement parts.

But we need your help. Big manufacturers don't want this
bill passed. And they're working hard to defeat it.

If you think you have a right to repair your products, find out who
represents you in the Massachusetts legislature. Tell them repair is good
for the environment, good for consumers, and good for business. Tell
them you support the Digital Right to Repair Act, S.96 and H.143.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair.

Nebraska,

This year, the people of Nebraska have a chance to guarantee
their right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment,
digital equipment, and even cell phones.

It’s yours. You own it. You shouldn’t have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. The Fair Repair Act, or LB 67,
is simple. It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent
repair businesses with fair access to service information and replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get back on with your
life.

But manufacturers don’t like that idea. When
your tractor breaks or your cell phone stops working, they want to be the
only people who can fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want
for parts and service.

It’s time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair jobs—the
corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed out. Find
out who represents you in the Nebraska state legislature. Tell them you support
the bipartisan Fair Repair Act, LB 67. Tell them that you believe repair
should be fair, affordable, and accessible. Stand up for the right to repair
in Nebraska.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Dear Minnesotans,

Minnesota has a chance to become the first state in the nation to pass
"Fair Repair" legislation. SF 15, or the Fair Repair bill, guarantees our
right to repair digital equipment like computers, refrigerators, cell phones
and tractors. It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent
repair shops with access to repair information and replacement parts—so you
have the resources you need to fix things quickly and affordably.

But we need your help. Manufacturers don’t want a Fair Repair bill. When
your tractor breaks or your cell phone stops working, they want to be the
only people who can fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want.

Find out who represents you in Minnesota's legislatures. Tell them that
you want the right to repair your purchases. Tell them you support a
bipartisan Fair Repair bill, SF 15. Tell them repair is good for the
environment, good for consumers, and good for businesses.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Dear Kansans,

Kansas has a chance to become the first state in the nation to pass
"Fair Repair" legislation. HB 2122, or the Fair Repair Act, guarantees our
right to repair digital equipment like computers, refrigerators, cell phones
and tractors. It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent
repair shops with access to repair information and replacement parts—so you
have the resources you need to fix things quickly and affordably.

But we need your help. Manufacturers don’t want a Fair Repair bill. When
your tractor breaks or your cell phone stops working, they want to be the
only people who can fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want.

Find out who represents you in Kansas' legislature. Tell them that
you want the right to repair your purchases. Tell them you support a
bipartisan bill. Tell them repair is good for farmers, good for consumers, and good for businesses.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Dear Wyomingites,

Wyoming has a chance to become the first state in the nation to pass
"Fair Repair" legislation. HB 199, or the Fair Repair Act, guarantees our
right to repair digital equipment like computers, refrigerators, cell phones
and tractors. It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent
repair shops with access to repair information and replacement parts—so you
have the resources you need to fix things quickly and affordably.

But we need your help. Manufacturers don’t want a Fair Repair bill. When
your tractor breaks or your cell phone stops working, they want to be the
only people who can fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want.

Find out who represents you in Wyoming's legislature. Tell them that
you want the right to repair your purchases. Tell them you support a
bipartisan bill. Tell them repair is good for farmers, good for consumers, and good for businesses.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Dear Washingtonians,

Washington has a chance to become the first state in the nation to pass
"Fair Repair" legislation. The Fair Repair Act guarantees our
right to repair digital equipment like computers, refrigerators, cell phones
and tractors. It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent
repair shops with access to repair information and replacement parts—so you
have the resources you need to fix things quickly and affordably.

But we need your help. Manufacturers don’t want a Fair Repair bill. When
your tractor breaks or your cell phone stops working, they want to be the
only people who can fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want.

Find out who represents you in Washington's legislature. Tell them that
you want the right to repair your purchases. Tell them you support a
bipartisan bill. Tell them repair is good for farmers, good for consumers, and good for businesses.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Tennessee,

This year, the people of Tennessee have a chance to guarantee their
right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment, digital
equipment, and even cell phones.

It's yours. You own it. You shouldn't have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. The Fair Repair Act is simple.
It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
businesses with fair access to service information and affordable replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get on with your life.

But manufacturers don't like that idea. When your tractor breaks or
your cell phone stops working, they want to be the only people who can
fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want for parts and
service.

It's time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair
jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed out.
Find out who represents you in the Tennessee General Assembly. Tell
them you support the Fair Repair Act, SB 888 in the Senate
and HB 1382 in the
House. Tell them that you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for the right to repair in Tennessee.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Illinois,

This year, the people of Illinois have a chance to guarantee their
right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment, digital
equipment, and even cell phones.

It's yours. You own it. You shouldn't have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. The Digital Fair Repair Act is simple.
It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
businesses with fair access to service information and affordable replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get on with your life.

But manufacturers don't like that idea. When your tractor breaks or
your cell phone stops working, they want to be the only people who can
fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want for parts and
service.

It's time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair
jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed
out. Find out who represents you in the Illinois General Assembly. Tell
them you support the Digital Fair Repair Act, HB3030.
Tell them that you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for the right to repair in Illinois.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Iowa,

This year, the people of Iowa have a chance to guarantee their
right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment, digital
equipment, and even cell phones.

It's yours. You own it. You shouldn't have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. Iowa's Right to Repair Act, HF556, is simple.
It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
businesses with fair access to service information and affordable replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get on with your life.

But manufacturers like John Deere and Apple don't like that idea. When your tractor breaks or
your cell phone stops working, they want to be the only people who can
fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want for parts and
service.

It's time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair
jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed
out. Find out who represents you in the Iowa legislature. Tell
them you support the Right to Repair Act, HF556.
Tell them that you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for the right to repair in Iowa.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

North Carolina,

This year, the people of North Carolina have a chance to guarantee their
right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment, digital
equipment, and even cell phones.

It's yours. You own it. You shouldn't have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. North Carolina's Fair Repair Act, H. 663, is simple.
It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
businesses with fair access to service information and affordable replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get on with your life.

But manufacturers like John Deere and Apple don't like that idea. When your tractor breaks or
your cell phone stops working, they want to be the only people who can
fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want for parts and
service.

It's time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair
jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed
out. Find out who represents you in the North Carolina legislature. Tell
them you support the Fair Repair Act, H. 663.
Tell them that you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for the right to repair in North Carolina.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

Missouri,

This year, the people of Missouri have a chance to guarantee their
right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment, digital
equipment, and even cell phones.

It's yours. You own it. You shouldn't have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. Missouri's Fair Repair Act, HB1178, is simple.
It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
businesses with fair access to service information and affordable replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get on with your life.

But manufacturers like John Deere and Apple don't like that idea. When your tractor breaks or
your cell phone stops working, they want to be the only people who can
fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want for parts and
service.

It's time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair
jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed
out. Find out who represents you in the Missouri legislature. Tell
them you support the Fair Repair Act, HB1178.
Tell them that you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for the right to repair in Missouri.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

New Hampshire,

This year, the people of New Hampshire have a chance to guarantee their
right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment, digital
equipment, and even cell phones.

It's yours. You own it. You shouldn't have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. New Hampshire's upcoming Right to Repair Act is simple.
It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
businesses with fair access to service information and affordable replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get on with your life.

But manufacturers like John Deere and Apple don't like that idea. When your tractor breaks or
your cell phone stops working, they want to be the only people who can
fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want for parts and
service.

It's time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair
jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed
out. Find out who represents you in the New Hampshire legislature. Tell
them you support the Right to Repair Act.
Tell them that you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for the right to repair in New Hampshire.

It's time to speak out for your right to repair

New Jersey,

This year, the people of New Jersey have a chance to guarantee their
right to repair their equipment—like tractors, farm equipment, digital
equipment, and even cell phones.

It's yours. You own it. You shouldn't have to beg the manufacturer
for permission to fix it when it breaks. New Jersey's upcoming Fair Repair Act, A4934 is simple.
It requires manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair
businesses with fair access to service information and affordable replacement
parts. So you can fix the stuff you own quickly—and get on with your life.

But manufacturers like John Deere and Apple don't like that idea. When your tractor breaks or
your cell phone stops working, they want to be the only people who can
fix it. And they get to set whatever prices they want for parts and
service.

It's time to fight for your right to repair and defend local repair
jobs—the corner mom-and-pop repair shops that keep getting squeezed
out. Find out who represents you in the New Jersey legislature. Tell
them you support the Fair Repair Act, A4934.
Tell them that you believe repair should be fair, affordable, and
accessible. Stand up for the right to repair in New Jersey.